'acrylate' originates from 'acrylic acid', which is derived from the Latin word 'acer', meaning 'sharp' or 'pungent'.

'Acrylic acid' was first synthesized in the 19th century, and its derivatives, including 'acrylate', became widely used in the 20th century.

Initially, it referred to the chemical compound derived from acrylic acid, and this meaning has remained consistent.